Langton Stead, Founder and Designer, Contract Furniture by Design, shares the company’s experiences of designing bespoke for Moncks of Dover Street, as well as other exciting global projects.
Langton is owner, founder and designer of Contract Furniture by Design. His years of experience in the hospitality, hotel arena and consultancy with interior design houses is a key feature in building CFbD reputation within the industry and resulting in major project wins in the high-end contract furniture sector.
Collaborating with leading hospitality brands around the world, the company designs and manufactures single-source contract furniture, which is brought together to create luxurious, award-winning environments that guests and customers won’t want to leave.
As a young company founded in 2016, the brand’s achievements over the last three years have been staggering, with installations to high-end clients throughout the UK, Europe and USA. The team is highly driven, multi-faceted and brought together by years of experience gained within small, medium and large organisations and high-pressure service-orientated environments.
Tell us about the background of Contract Furniture by Design?
We were born out of a necessity for bespoke in the interiors market. Working closely with interior designers and architects, we aim to become the in-house furniture specialist for that bespoke project, from initial design to installation. Strong relationships are built on a clear understanding of what can be achieved and help to go beyond client’s expectations.
What was your first large scale project specification?
Soho House, Dumbo, New York – An incredible project to be part of and as a manufacturer, to work on some fantastic bespoke products for both internal and external use. A wide range of skills in manufacturing and materials were used, including hand worked cane sofas, bespoke metal chairs and specialist marbles. It was proud moment for the company and the factory to be part of.
How did you come to work with the Fettle team on Moncks of Dover Street?
Word of mouth has been our only source new business at the moment; Andy Goodwin (Director of Fettle) approached us for this project. We understood each other clearly from the beginning. The project itself had time to allow us to develop through prototyping, not only to refine the designs but to work with Moncks on operational elements of the furniture, both equally important.
Have you worked on this type of project before?
Similar, but no two projects are the same. We really take pride in that fact. Difference, uniqueness and originality is demanded by most of our clients in the hospitality arena and we are delighted to work with design studios such as Fettle to help them achieve this.
How much of the project was bespoke?
All elements in this project were bespoke, from simple touches in stain finish to bespoke dining chairs and barstools. Individually it may not amount to much, but when added to Fettles other design aspects, such as their bespoke lighting and wall finishes then the end result speaks for itself. As the project came together on site you could tell the same care and attention was given throughout.
What were your highlight pieces from Moncks?
Personally I think the barstools work very well. Deep walnut finish against aged brass always works well. The tapered hexagon base and generous seat makes for a comfortable experience.
What is the next project for Contract Furniture by Design?
It’s an exciting time for us, we are continuing to work globally with Fettle Design, Soho House and Ennismore. Projects with Russell Sage Studio and Martin Brudnizki Design Studio, to name a few, are completing shortly.
01494 451886
contractfurniturebydesign@gmail.com
contractfurniturebydesign.com
